Surface-enhanced Raman scattering of benzonitrile and benzyl cyanide in silver sol

Abstract

The surface-enhanced Raman scattering of benzonnitrile and benzyl cyanide in a silver sol was investigated. Benzyl cyanide was found to be adsorbed on Ag through its CN group, possibly via its nitrogen lone-pair electrons. Several surface selection rules reported previously were applied in an effort to explain the SER spectrum of benzonitrile, without conclusive results. It seems likely that benzonitrile is adsorbed face-on to the surface.